bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of being privileged: Digital entrepreneurship as a class project
Authors: Murray Grant , Carter Chris , Spence Crawford
Published: February 2024

Established professional occupations can become the preserve of elites when fitting in is driven by class-based criteria. In contrast, digital entrepreneurship has been proposed as a means by which people may emancipate themselves from societal constraints. We interrogate digital entrepreneurship’s meritocratic foundations by way of a 36-month ethnography of a startup incubator. Attending to the dispositions of digital entrepreneurs, we reveal they use cultural tastes and manners to create the incubator as a place where members of the privileged class can reinvent themselves at their leisure, all the while adopting the meritocratic mythologies of digital entrepreneurship to disavow their own privilege. This opens up a two-fold contribution to the study of professions and occupations. Firstly, we demonstrate how professional and occupational roles are epiphenomenal to class positioning. Secondly, the parallels between the legitimating discourses of entrepreneurs and more established professional jurisdictions attest to a community that is in the process of professionalization.
Feeling the Strain: Understanding the Relationship between Stress and Physical Activity in Members of the Royal Canadian Navy
Authors: Guérin Eva , Gottschall Shannon
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Research finds that experiencing psychological stress can be associated with engaging in less physical activity, a critical contributor to operational readiness and overall health and well-being. As navy personnel tend to engage in lower levels of physical activity than other military personnel, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between stress and physical activity in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and identify moderators of this relationship.

Materials and Methods

Data for this study were obtained from an electronic workplace well-being survey administered to a stratified random sample of 930 members in hard sea occupations managed by the RCN. Multivariable logistic regressions examined the associations between indicators of stress (e.g., job stress, burnout, work-life conflict, and psychological distress) and physical activity engagement; the moderating effects of demographic/military characteristics and health status (e.g., rank, gender, sailing status, general health status, and body mass index [BMI]) were examined.

Results

Navy personnel who were married or in common-law relationships and those who reported poorer overall health were less likely to be physically active. Navy personnel with lower psychological distress were more likely be active (P = .03); however, direct associations with other indicators of stress were not significant. BMI was the only significant moderator of the relationship between stress and physical activity. Specifically, for members classified as obese, higher levels of burnout and work-life conflict were associated with being more physically active. Conversely, nonobese members with elevated burnout reported less physical activity.

Conclusions

The findings of this study support a complex relationship between experiencing stress and engaging in physical activity, which showed varying patterns based on BMI classification. Although the cross-sectional nature of the data precludes any inferences about the direction of these effects, the results suggest that some members of the RCN are more at risk of experiencing decrements in physical activity. Future research should examine the types of physical activity supports and incentives that are needed to ensure that navy personnel derive the benefits of an active lifestyle, especially in times of stress.
Quantification and visualization of cis-regulatory dynamics in single-cell multi-omics data with TREASMO
Authors: Liu Chaozhong , Wang Linhua , Liu Zhandong
Published: February 2024

Recent advances in single-cell multi-omics technologies have provided unprecedented insights into regulatory processes. We introduce TREASMO, a versatile Python package designed to quantify and visualize transcriptional regulatory dynamics in single-cell multi-omics datasets. TREASMO has four modules, spanning data preparation, correlation quantification, downstream analysis and visualization, enabling comprehensive dataset exploration. By introducing a novel single-cell gene–peak correlation strength index, TREASMO facilitates accurate identification of regulatory changes at single-cell resolution. Validation on a hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell dataset showcases TREASMO’s capacity in quantifying the gene–peak correlation strength at the single-cell level, identifying regulatory markers and discovering temporal regulatory patterns along the trajectory.
mergem: merging, comparing, and translating genome-scale metabolic models using universal identifiers
Authors: Hari Archana , Zarrabi Arveen , Lobo Daniel
Published: February 2024

Numerous methods exist to produce and refine genome-scale metabolic models. However, due to the use of incompatible identifier systems for metabolites and reactions, computing and visualizing the metabolic differences and similarities of such models is a current challenge. Furthermore, there is a lack of automated tools that can combine the strengths of multiple reconstruction pipelines into a curated single comprehensive model by merging different drafts, which possibly use incompatible namespaces. Here we present mergem, a novel method to compare, merge, and translate two or more metabolic models. Using a universal metabolic identifier mapping system constructed from multiple metabolic databases, mergem robustly can compare models from different pipelines, merge their common elements, and translate their identifiers to other database systems. mergem is implemented as a command line tool, a Python package, and on the web-application Fluxer, which allows simulating and visually comparing multiple models with different interactive flux graphs. The ability to merge, compare, and translate diverse genome scale metabolic models can facilitate the curation of comprehensive reconstructions and the discovery of unique and common metabolic features among different organisms.
Identifying IDH-mutant and 1p/19q noncodeleted astrocytomas from nonenhancing gliomas: Manual recognition followed by artificial intelligence recognition
Authors: He Lei , Zhang Hong , Li Tianshi , Yang Jianing , Zhou Yanpeng , Wang Jiaxiang , Saidaer Tuerhong , Bai Xiaoyan , Liu Xing , Wang Yinyan , Wang Lei
Published: February 2024

Background

The T2-FLAIR mismatch sign (T2FM) has nearly 100% specificity for predicting IDH-mutant and 1p/19q noncodeleted astrocytomas (astrocytomas). However, only 18.2%–56.0% of astrocytomas demonstrate a positive T2FM. Methods must be considered for distinguishing astrocytomas from negative T2FM gliomas. In this study, positive T2FM gliomas were manually distinguished from nonenhancing gliomas, and then a support vector machine (SVM) classification model was used to distinguish astrocytomas from negative T2FM gliomas.

Methods

Nonenhancing gliomas (regardless of pathological type or grade) diagnosed between January 2022 and October 2022 (N = 300) and November 2022 and March 2023 (N = 196) will comprise the training and validation sets, respectively. Our method for distinguishing astrocytomas from nonenhancing gliomas was examined and validated using the training set and validation set.

Results

The specificity of T2FM for predicting astrocytomas was 100% in both the training and validation sets, while the sensitivity was 42.75% and 67.22%, respectively. Using a classification model of SVM based on radiomics features, among negative T2FM gliomas, the accuracy was above 85% when the prediction score was greater than 0.70 in identifying astrocytomas and above 95% when the prediction score was less than 0.30 in identifying nonastrocytomas.

Conclusions

Manual screening of positive T2FM gliomas, followed by the SVM classification model to differentiate astrocytomas from negative T2FM gliomas, may be a more effective method for identifying astrocytomas in nonenhancing gliomas.
Prediction of MGMT promotor methylation status in glioblastoma by contrast-enhanced T1-weighted intensity image
Authors: Sanada Takahiro , Kinoshita Manabu , Sasaki Takahiro , Yamamoto Shota , Fujikawa Seiya , Fukuyama Shusei , Hayashi Nobuhide , Fukai Junya , Okita Yoshiko , Nonaka Masahiro , Uda Takehiro , Arita Hideyuki , Mori Kanji , Ishibashi Kenichi , Takano Koji , Nishida Namiko , Shofuda Tomoko , Yoshioka Ema , Kanematsu Daisuke , Tanino Mishie , Kodama Yoshinori , Mano Masayuki , Kanemura Yonehiro
Published: February 2024

Background

The study aims to explore MRI phenotypes that predict glioblastoma’s (GBM) methylation status of the promoter region of MGMT gene (pMGMT) by qualitatively assessing contrast-enhanced T1-weighted intensity images.

Methods

A total of 193 histologically and molecularly confirmed GBMs at the Kansai Network for Molecular Diagnosis of Central Nervous Tumors (KANSAI) were used as an exploratory cohort. From the Cancer Imaging Archive/Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) 93 patients were used as validation cohorts. “Thickened structure” was defined as the solid tumor component presenting circumferential extension or occupying >50% of the tumor volume. “Methylated contrast phenotype” was defined as indistinct enhancing circumferential border, heterogenous enhancement, or nodular enhancement. Inter-rater agreement was assessed, followed by an investigation of the relationship between radiological findings and pMGMT methylation status.

Results

Fleiss’s Kappa coefficient for “Thickened structure” was 0.68 for the exploratory and 0.55 for the validation cohort, and for “Methylated contrast phenotype,” 0.30 and 0.39, respectively. The imaging feature, the presence of “Thickened structure” and absence of “Methylated contrast phenotype,” was significantly predictive of pMGMT unmethylation both for the exploratory (p = .015, odds ratio = 2.44) and for the validation cohort (p = .006, odds ratio = 7.83). The sensitivities and specificities of the imaging feature, the presence of “Thickened structure,” and the absence of “Methylated contrast phenotype” for predicting pMGMT unmethylation were 0.29 and 0.86 for the exploratory and 0.25 and 0.96 for the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The present study showed that qualitative assessment of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted intensity images helps predict GBM’s pMGMT methylation status.
Steric hindrance modulation of hexaazatribenzanthraquinone isomers for high-capacity and wide-temperature-range aqueous proton battery
Authors: Yang Mingsheng , Hao Yuxin , Wang Bei , Wang Yan , Zheng Liping , Li Rui , Ma Huige , Wang Xinyu , Jing Xiaoming , Li Hongwei , Li Mengxiao , Wang Zhihui , Dai Yujie , Shan Guangcun , Hu Mingjun , Luo Jun , Yang Jun
Published: February 2024

Organic materials with rich active sites are good candidates of high-capacity anodes in aqueous batteries, but commonly low utilization of active sites limits their capacity. Herein, two isomers, symmetric and asymmetric hexaazatribenzanthraquinone (s-HATBAQ and a-HATBAQ), with rich active sites have been synthesized in a controllable manner. It has been revealed for the first time that a sulfuric acid catalyst can facilitate the stereoselective formation of s-HATBAQ. Attributed to the reduced steric hindrance in favor of proton insertion as well as the amorphous structure conducive to electrochemical dynamics, s-HATBAQ exhibits 1.5 times larger specific capacity than a-HATBAQ. Consequently, the electrode of s-HATBAQ with 50% reduced graphene oxide (s-HATBAQ-50%rGO) delivers a record high specific capacity of 405 mAh g−1 in H2SO4 electrolyte. Moreover, the assembled MnO2//s-HATBAQ-50%rGO aqueous proton full batteries show an exceptional cycling stability at 25°C and can maintain ∼92% capacity after 1000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 at −80°C. This work demonstrates the controllable synthesis of isomers, showcases a wide-temperature-range prototype proton battery and highlights the significance of precise molecular structure modulation in organic energy storage.
Effects of Neonatal BCG-Japan Versus BCG-Russia Vaccination on Overall Mortality and Morbidity: Randomized Controlled Trial From Guinea-Bissau (BCGSTRAIN II)
Authors: Schaltz-Buchholzer Frederik , Nielsen Sebastian , Sørensen Marcus Kjær , Stjernholm Elise Brenno , Fabricius Rebecca Alison , Umbasse Paulo , Monteiro Ivan , Cá Elsi Jose Carlos , Aaby Peter , Benn Christine Stabell
Published: February 2024

Background

Vaccination with the Danish strain of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been associated with pronounced reductions in all-cause neonatal mortality and morbidity. Developing a skin reaction postvaccination is associated with markedly reduced mortality risk. It is unknown whether the beneficial nonspecific effects are maintained across different BCG strains.

Methods

This was an open-label randomized controlled trial in Guinea-Bissau, comparing BCG-Japan (n = 8754) versus BCG-Russia (n = 8752) for all-cause hospital admission risk by 6 weeks of age (primary outcome) and 6 months of age. Additional secondary outcomes were in-hospital case-fatality risk (CFR), all-cause mortality, and BCG skin reaction prevalence. Participants were followed through telephone calls at 6 weeks and 6 months, with a subgroup also visited at home. We assessed admission and mortality risk in Cox models providing incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and mortality rate ratios. CFR and skin reactions were assessed by binomial regression providing risk ratios. Analyses were done overall and stratified by sex.

Results

BCG strain was not associated with admission risk, the BCG-Japan/BCG-Russia IRR being 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], .81–1.05) by 6 weeks and 0.92 (95% CI, .82–1.02) by 6 months. By 6 months of age, there were significantly fewer BCG-Japan infants with no skin reaction (1%) than for BCG-Russia (2%), the risk ratio being 0.36 (95% CI, .16–.81). BCG-Japan skin reactions were also larger.

Conclusions

Both vaccines induced a skin reaction in almost all participants. The BCG strains had comparable effects on morbidity and mortality, but BCG-Japan was associated with more and larger skin reactions that are indicators of lower mortality risk.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03400878.
Global Safety Assessment of Adverse Events of Special Interest Following 2 Years of Use and 772 Million Administered Doses of mRNA-1273
Authors: Urdaneta Veronica , Esposito Daina B , Dharia Priyadarshani , Moraga Margot Stam , Anteyi Kate , Oduyebo-Omotosho Titi , Rossi Melissa , Burton Paul , Vega José M , Dawson Rachel , Straus Walter
Published: February 2024

Background

Large-scale use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic was associated with enhanced safety monitoring to ensure accurate and timely review of safety. We reviewed the mRNA-1273 (original strain) safety profile following 2 years of use (>772 million administered doses), primarily focusing on predefined safety topics (ie, adverse events of special interest [AESIs]) proposed in advance of COVID-19 vaccine use.

Methods

Cumulative mRNA-1273 safety data were included from spontaneous adverse event (AE) cases reported to Moderna’s global safety database between 18 December 2020 and 17 December 2022. Reporting rates of AESIs were calculated per 1 million doses of mRNA-1273 administered. Observed-to-expected (OE) ratios were computed by comparing observed rates of AESIs with the background/expected rate for these events to evaluate potential associations with mRNA-1273.

Results

There were 658 759 identified case reports associated with 2 517 669 AEs. Most AEs were nonserious (83.4%; 2 098 954/2 517 669). Overall 0.7% (17 751/2 517 669) were fatal. AESIs represented 13.7% of all AEs (344 921/2 517 669), with reporting rates for most AESIs below the expected background incidence. Exceptions included anaphylaxis (OE ratio 3 days after vaccination, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.93–2.25) and, among individuals aged 12 to 40 years, myocarditis (OE ratio 7 days after any dose, 3.89 [3.50–4.32]; among men after dose 2, 8.57 [6.88–10.68]) and pericarditis (OE ratio 7 days after vaccination, 3.47; 2.89–4.16).

Conclusions

This safety analysis of mRNA-1273 identified evidence of increased risk for anaphylaxis, myocarditis, and pericarditis but not for other AESIs identified for enhanced monitoring ahead of COVID-19 vaccine use.
Forecasting drug-overdose mortality by age in the United States at the national and county levels
Authors: Böttcher Lucas , Chou Tom , D’Orsogna Maria R
Published: February 2024

The drug-overdose crisis in the United States continues to intensify. Fatalities have increased 5-fold since 1999 reaching a record high of 108,000 deaths in 2021. The epidemic has unfolded through distinct waves of different drug types, uniquely impacting various age, gender, race, and ethnic groups in specific geographical areas. One major challenge in designing interventions and efficiently delivering treatment is forecasting age-specific overdose patterns at the local level. To address this need, we develop a forecasting method that assimilates observational data obtained from the CDC WONDER database with an age-structured model of addiction and overdose mortality. We apply our method nationwide and to three select areas: Los Angeles County, Cook County, and the five boroughs of New York City, providing forecasts of drug-overdose mortality and estimates of relevant epidemiological quantities, such as mortality and age-specific addiction rates.
Patient-derived organoids recapitulate glioma-intrinsic immune program and progenitor populations of glioblastoma
Authors: Watanabe Fumihiro , Hollingsworth Ethan W , Bartley Jenna M , Wisehart Lauren , Desai Rahil , Hartlaub Annalisa M , Hester Mark E , Schiapparelli Paula , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Imitola Jaime
Published: February 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly lethal human cancer thought to originate from a self-renewing and therapeutically-resistant population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). The intrinsic mechanisms enacted by GSCs during 3D tumor formation, however, remain unclear, especially in the stages prior to angiogenic/immunological infiltration. In this study, we performed a deep characterization of the genetic, immune, and metabolic profiles of GBM organoids from several patient-derived GSCs (GBMO). Despite being devoid of immune cells, transcriptomic analysis across GBMO revealed a surprising immune-like molecular program, enriched in cytokine, antigen presentation and processing, T-cell receptor inhibitors, and interferon genes. We find two important cell populations thought to drive GBM progression, Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2+) and homeodomain-only protein homeobox (HOPX+) progenitors, contribute to this immune landscape in GBMO and GBM in vivo. These progenitors, but not other cell types in GBMO, are resistant to conventional GBM therapies, temozolomide and irradiation. Our work defines a novel intrinsic immune-like landscape in GBMO driven, in part, by SATB2+ and HOPX+ progenitors and deepens our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms utilized by GSCs in early GBM formation.
Modelling the longer-term health and health inequality impacts of changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in England
Authors: Angus Colin , Henney Madeleine , Pryce Robert
Published: February 2024

Background

Alcohol consumption changed substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic for many people. This study quantified how these changes in drinking varied across the population and their potential longer-term impact on health and health inequalities.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Alcohol Toolkit Study to estimate how alcohol consumption changed during the pandemic (April 2020–November 2021) and how these changes varied with age, sex, drinking level and socioeconomic position. We combined these estimates with a range of alternative scenarios of future alcohol consumption and used the Sheffield Alcohol Policy Model to assess the long-term health and health inequality impacts of these changes.

Results

Alcohol consumption in 2020–21 increased in heavier drinkers but fell in moderate drinkers. If alcohol consumption returns to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, we estimate a total of 42 677 additional hospital admissions and 1830 deaths over 20 years because of these changes. If consumption remains at 2021 levels in the long-term these figures rise to 355 832 and 12 849, respectively. In all scenarios, the biggest increase in harm occurs in the most deprived 20% of the population.

Conclusions

Pandemic-era changes in alcohol consumption are likely to have a significant negative impact on public health and health inequalities, even under optimistic assumptions about future drinking.
Latency to N3 interruption in arousal disorders
Authors: Perretti Carlos , Gales Ana , Leu-Semenescu Smaranda , Dodet Pauline , Bianquis Clara , Groos Elisabeth , Puligheddu Monica , Maranci Jean-Baptiste , Arnulf Isabelle
Published: February 2024

Study Objectives

To help expert witnesses in criminal cases using the “sleepwalking defense,” we studied the time of first and last interruptions from stage N3 in patients with arousal disorders, including sexsomnia, as well as their determinants.

Methods

The epochs of lights off, sleep onset, first N3 interruption (with and without behaviors), and last N3 interruption were determined by videopolysomnography on two consecutive nights in 163 adults with disorders of arousal, including 46 with and 117 without sexsomnia.

Results

The first N3 interruption (independently of concomitant behavior) occurred as early as 8 minutes after sleep onset and within 100 minutes of falling asleep in 95% of cases. The first motor arousal from N3 occurred as early as 25 minutes after lights off time, a timing more variable between participants (between 30 and 60 minutes after lights off time in 25% of participants and within 60 minutes of falling asleep in 50%). These latencies did not differ between the groups with and without sexsomnia. No correlation was found between these latencies and the young age, sex, or clinical severity. The latency of motor arousals was shorter when they were associated with a fast-wave EEG profile and were not preceded by another type of N3 arousal.

Conclusions

The first motor arousal may occur early in the night in patients with arousal disorders, with or without sexsomnia, suggesting that abnormal behaviors occurring as early as 25 minutes after lights off time in clinical and criminal cases can be a parasomnia manifestation.
Electrification of urban road traffic: a reliability analysis of traction power supply for electric road systems
Authors: Zuo Wei , Li Kang
Published: February 2024

The electric road system (ERS) is an emerging technology to support decarbonization of heavy goods vehicles. The reliability of the traction power supply system (TPSS) for an electric road is a key consideration in ERS planning and maintenance, but since the development of ERS is still at its early stage, the reliability study of different ERS systems has not been fully researched. This paper fills this research gap. It first analyses the potential operation risks of three different ERS systems using the failure mode and effect analysis method. Then, a fault tree model is built to analyse the overall reliability of the traction power supply system of each of the three ERS types and to identify the weak links. Furthermore, the overall failure rate and reliability indicators are obtained by combining the possible failures of both the electric and non-electric components of the TPSS. Finally, based on the analysis of the potential risks and the corresponding reliability indicators, the advantages and disadvantages of different ERS solutions and the future development prospects are discussed.
Old Foe, New Host: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Pathogenic Characterization of Maize Streak Virus in Rice Fields from Burkina Faso
Authors: Fouad Noun Magdy Ibrahim , Barro Mariam , Bangratz Martine , Sérémé Drissa , Filloux Denis , Fernandez Emmanuel , Julian Charlotte , Saïbou Nignan , Kassankogno Abalo Itolou , Guigma Abdoul Kader , Roumagnac Philippe , Wonni Issa , Tollenaere Charlotte , Poulicard Nils
Published: February 2024

Rice is of critical significance regarding food security worldwide, including in Africa. Only two viruses impacting rice production in Africa have been deeply investigated for decades: the rice yellow mottle virus ( Solemoviridae) and the rice stripe necrosis virus ( Benyviridae). Using viral metagenomics, we aimed at broadening knowledge on interacting communities associated with plants in rice landscapes and exploring the diversity and epidemiological status of viruses circulating in rice fields from Burkina Faso. We performed an epidemiological survey in this country between 2016 and 2019 involving 57 small farmers’ rice fields under two production systems: rainfed lowlands and irrigated areas. More than 2,700 rice samples were collected without regard to disease symptoms following a regular scheme. Wild and cultivated Poaceae (maize and sugarcane) growing in nearby rice fields were also collected. Unexpectedly, metagenomics detected maize streak virus (MSV) ( Geminiviridae) in analyzed rice samples. Further molecular analyses using rolling circle amplification-polymerase chain reaction showed that MSV was widely distributed and highly prevalent in both rainfed lowlands and irrigated rice areas. MSV-A and MSV-G strains were identified. MSV-G, exclusively identified thus far in wild grasses, was the most prevalent strain, whereas MSV-A, known to cause severe symptoms in maize, was sporadically identified. Using infectious clones in experimental conditions, we confirmed the pathogenicity of both MSV strains in rice. Thus, in addition to contributing to the epidemiological surveillance of rice production in Africa, our results illuminate new epidemiological and pathogenic aspects of one of the most studied plant viruses with significant economic consequences in Africa.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Incorporating Culture-Independent Methods to Identify Net Syndrome-Associated Fusarium Species in Peanuts
Authors: Sudakov Kobi , Yasuor Hagai , Jaiswal Amit K. , Mordukhovich Gideon , Buchshtab Oren , Minz Dror , Frenkel Omer
Published: February 2024

Peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea) are of significant agricultural importance due to their versatile uses, providing a valuable source of edible oil and protein-rich food products and serving in industrial applications. Peanuts are susceptible to various diseases, one of them being net syndrome, a poorly understood threat triggered by an undefined causal agent, with symptoms including black coloring and lesions of the peanut pod that affect product quality. In this study, amplicon sequencing was harnessed to explore the fungal and bacterial populations associated with the syndrome. Using this approach, we identified a specific Fusarium sp. amplicon sequence variant that demonstrated a significant correlation with the presence of net syndrome symptoms in both young and mature peanuts. This finding was further validated by Koch's postulates testing, including isolation, cultivation, and application of this strain to corroborate its involvement in net syndrome in peanuts. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between peanuts and their microbial communities and to identification of the previously undetermined agent involved in net syndrome and the etiology of the disease.
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Upregulates the Immunogenicity of Cold to Hot Tumors in Esophageal Cancer Patients
Authors: Nagaki Yushi , Motoyama Satoru , Sato Yusuke , Wakita Akiyuki , Fujita Hiromu , Kemuriyama Kohei , Sasamori Ryohei , Nozaki Shu , Nomura Kyoko , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) is more effective against hot esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and that it may upregulate tumor immunogenicity.

Background:

There have been several recent reports showing the efficacy of immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) against esophageal cancer, especially immunologically hot tumors. In addition, several studies have suggested that chemotherapy and radiotherapy may convert cold tumors to hot tumors.

Methods:

Of 105 ESCC patients who underwent surgery after NACRT between 2010 and 2018 at our hospital, 99 whose biopsy tissue samples were obtained were enrolled. Based on immunohistochemical analysis, tumors that were FOXA1 (+) and/or EYA2 (+) were defined as hot tumors, others were cold tumors. We then investigated the association between tumor immunogenicity and clinicopathological features.

Results:

The 29 patients with hot tumors before NACRT had a significantly better 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate than the remaining 70 patients with cold tumors (85% vs 64%; P = 0.036). In a multivariate analysis, tumor immunogenicity was a significant independent predictor of DSS. Of 68 patients without a pathological complete response (non-pCR) in their primary tumor, 51 (75%) had hot tumors after NACRT. Moreover, 75% (36/48) of tumors that were cold before NACRT were converted to hot tumors after NACRT.

Conclusions:

Patients with hot ESCC tumors treated with NACRT plus esophagectomy had a better prognosis than those with cold tumors. NACRT upregulated cold tumor immunogenicity to hot tumors, suggesting NACRT may increase the sensitivity of ESCC to adjuvant ICIs.
Measuring external rotation of the fibula and fibular length in bilateral CT scans: how reliable is this method?
Authors: Penning Diederick , Molendijk Juul , Halm Jens A. , Schepers Tim
Published: February 2024

Objective.

During ankle fracture surgery, goals include accurate reduction and fixation of the tibiofibular joint and fibular length. Bilateral postoperative computed tomography (CT) can be performed to assess syndesmotic reduction, the talar dome angle and fibular length.. The study aim is to compare side-to-side differences of the fibular rotation and fibular length using bilateral CT’s of uninjured ankles.

Methods.

We included patients with bilateral CT scans of uninjured ankles and measured external rotation using the Nault talar dome method and fibular length using the coronal method of Prior et al. The average, difference, and ratio (injured side/healthy side) and inter-observer variability were calculated.

Results.

There were 83 patients included (166 ankles, mean age 47 years, 77.1% male). A random set of 66 ankles (33 CT scans) were used to measure inter-observer variability. The mean degrees of external rotation ranged from 6.6 to 7.7, mean difference from 1.4 to 3.4 degrees, mean ratio from 1.1 to 1.5, inter-observer variability from 0.27 to 0.65. For fibular length, the mean ranged from 24.6 to 25.8 mm, mean difference in fibular length ranged from 0.5 to 2.1 mm, mean ratio ranged from 1.0 to 1.1 mm and inter-observer variability ranged from 0.45 to 0.73.

Conclusion.

Using bilateral ankle CTs, mean differences in fibular rotation using the Nault talar dome method were 1.4 to 3.4 degrees. The distal fibular length had a mean difference between both sides of 0.5 to 2.1mm. Even though the ICC’s were low, the inter-leg differences between patients were small, making them useful for clinical practice.

Level of evidence.

Diagnostic level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing for Pathogen Identification in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid From Neonates Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Zheng Yi-Rong , Chen Xiu-Hua , Chen Qiang , Cao Hua
Published: February 2024

Background:

Neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at high risk of infection. Rapid and accurate identification of pathogens is essential to improve the prognosis of children on ECMO. Metagenome next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been used in recent years to detect pathogenic bacteria, but evidence for its use in neonates on ECMO is lacking.

Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted using an electronic medical record system. We analyzed the results of mNGS and conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of neonates receiving ECMO support with pulmonary infections in our hospital from July 2021 to January 2023.

Results:

We screened 18 ECMO-supported neonates with pneumonia for inclusion in the study. The median age of the included children was 2 (1–4) days, the median gestational age was 38.3 (33–40+4) weeks, and the median weight was 3.3 (2.2–4.8) kg. The detection rate of mNGS was 77.8% (14/18), higher than the 44.4% (8/18) of CMT (P = 0.04). A total of 20 pathogens were detected in mNGS, with the top 3 most common pathogens being Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli. Mixed infections were found in 14 cases (77.8%), including 13 cases (72.2%) with mixed infections detected by mNGS and 7 cases (27.8%) with mixed infections detected by CMT. A total of 9 children underwent treatment changes based on mNGS results and all of them experienced relief of symptoms.

Conclusion:

Compared with CMT, mNGS can detect pathogens earlier and more sensitively, and may play an important role in ECMO-supported neonatal pneumonia pathogen detection and optimization of antibiotic therapy.
Serum IL-31 is related to the severity and 3-month prognosis of patients with Intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Liu Jingfeng , Li Xing , Qu Ji
Published: February 2024

Interleukin (IL)-31/IL-33 axis has been proved to play an important role in the regulation of inflammation, and serum IL-33 was found to be a novel serum prognostic marker of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), while the value of serum IL-31 levels on prognosis in patients with ICH remains unknown. The present study was designed to study the value of serum IL-31 levels on prognosis in ICH patients. A total of 200 ICH patients and 50 healthy people were included in this study. We collected clinical data such as demographic data, laboratory data, admission disease scores and medical histories of these participants. We measured serum IL-31 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and assessed the prognosis of ICH patients 3 months after onset by mRS scale, and mRS > 2 was defined as a 3-month poor outcome. The level of IL-31 in ICH patients were significantly higher than that in healthy control people (211.91 ± 61.61 vs 167.64 ± 27.45 pg/mL, P < .001), and levels of IL-31 in ICH patients with 3-month good outcome were significantly lower than that in ICH patients with 3-month poor outcome (196.09 ± 50.84 vs 248.05 ± 41.41 pg/mL, P < .001). Results of correlation analysis suggested that the level of serum IL-31 was positively related to admission NIHSS score (r = 0.627, P < .001), hematoma volume (r = 0.352, P < .001), mRS score (r = 0.515, P < .001), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r = 0.177, P = .012), serum C-reactive protein levels (r = 0.483, P < .001), and serum tumor necrosis factor α levels (r = 0.389, P < .001) in ICH patients, while the level of serum IL-31 was negatively related to the admission GCS score (r = −0.518, P < .001) and triglycerides (r = −0.147, P = .038). Results of multivariate regression analysis shows that serum IL-31 levels are an independent risk factor affecting NIHSS scores (OR = 1.023, 95% CI = 1.010–2.036) and 3-month prognosis (OR = 1.023, 95% CI = 0.982–1.747) in ICH patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of serum IL-31 level in evaluating the prognosis of ICH were 85.2% and 76.7%, respectively. A cutoff value of serum IL-31 level > 185.30 pg/mL may indicate a poor prognosis for ICH. Serum IL-31 levels on admission in ICH patients are associated with patient prognosis, and higher serum IL-31 levels are associated with a higher risk of poor prognosis in ICH patients.
Application of panoramic radiographs in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Meng Xianbin , Liu Sen , Wu Zg , Guo Liangying
Published: February 2024

To evaluate the feasibility of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) diagnosis with panoramic radiography, and provide standardized data for artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis by measuring the differences in the condylar and mandibular ramus heights. A total of 500 panoramic radiographs (219 male and 281 female participants) of healthy individuals were examined. The panoramic machine compatible measurement software, SCANORA 5.2.6, was used to measure the bilateral condylar height and mandibular ramus height, and SPSS 27.0 was used to calculate the left- and right-side differences in condylar height and mandibular ramus height of healthy individuals. Magnetic resonance images of the temporomandibular joint region obtained from 46 outpatients in the Stomatology Department were selected along with their corresponding panoramic radiographs. The left- and right-sided differences were measured and compared with the magnetic resonance imaging results. The measurement data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (mm). t Tests were used to analyze data from healthy male and healthy female groups. The findings revealed that while there was no significant difference (P > .05) in the height of the condyle between men and women, there was a significant difference (P 
< .05) in the height of the mandibular ramus. In healthy population, the difference in height between the left and right condyle was 1.09 ± 0.99 mm. The difference in height of mandibular ramus in men was 1.26 ± 0.85 mm and that in women was 1.19 ± 0.87 mm. For the diagnosis of TMD, the sensitivity of panoramic radiographs was 94.74% (36/38), specificity was 75.00% (6/8), and diagnostic accuracy was 91.30% (42/46). The height of the right and left lateral condyles was not identical in healthy individuals, resulting in a discernible height discrepancy. In addition, the height of the mandibular ramus varied. By considering the left-right lateral height differences identified in this study along with clinical examination, it is possible to employ this metric as a preliminary screening tool for patients with TMD. Further, the use of panoramic radiographs for initial TMD screening is both viable and significant.
Arthroscopic treatment of osteoid osteoma in the posterior proximal tibia: A case report and literature review
Authors: He Yinhao , Li Xiaosheng , Tu Zhi-Xing , Chen Hong-Wen , Zeng Hui , Peng Qiang , Chen Tie-Zhu
Published: February 2024

Background:

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a benign lesion characterized by an increased fibrous component in the bone marrow, presence of bone-like structures within the medullary cavity, and a surrounding sclerotic bone rim. Reports on OO located in the posterior proximal tibia are rare.

Case summary:

Herein, we report the case of an 18-year-old male, admitted for the evaluation of right knee pain. The right knee pain had started 6 months prior without any apparent cause, which was notably severe at night, affecting sleep, and was exacerbated while climbing stairs or bearing weight. The patient also experienced pain on flexion. Three-dimensional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a nodular lesion beneath the cortical bone of the posterior medial plateau of the right tibia and an abnormal signal focus on the posterior lateral aspect of the right tibial plateau associated with extensive bone marrow edema. A small amount of fluid was present in the right knee joint capsule. The patient subsequently underwent arthroscopic excision of the OO. Postoperatively, there was significant relief of pain, and the knee range of motion returned to normal.

Conclusion:

Although OO in the posterior proximal tibia is a rare occurrence, it can be effectively excised through minimally invasive arthroscopic visualization.
Infiltration of nanocarbon into the trachea during thyroidectomy surgery: case series and literature review
Authors: Li Wu
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

The presence of metastatic disease in the cervical lymph nodes can affect the recurrence and survival of patients with thyroid cancer. Parathyroid gland injury during surgery can result in hypoparathyroidism, particularly with total thyroidectomy. Injection of carbon nanoparticles into the thyroid will label draining lymph nodes and aid in the visualization of metastatic cervical lymph nodes during a radical operation, sparing accidental damage to the parathyroid glands. Although reported to be useful during surgery, the safety of nanocarbon particles has rarely been investigated, and adverse side effects need to be studied.

Case presentation:

The author describes five patients with thyroid cancer who had carbon secretions in the trachea or mucosa after carbon nanoparticles were injected into the thyroid. A patient with carbon secretions in the trachea mucosa recovered but had progressive dyspnoea. Surgical treatment was performed, and a mass was found in the trachea mucosa. After excluding all other possibilities, the author concluded that the mass was caused by nanocarbon suspension.

Discussion:

To the author’s knowledge, there are no reports on nanocarbon suspension into the mucosa and no consensus has yet been reached on the precise injection site, depth, or dose for injecting carbon nanoparticles before thyroidectomy.

Conclusion:

The author suggests that the most appropriate injection depth of nanocarbon suspensions should be no more than 3 mm of the thyroid gland thickness to avoid deep injection into the trachea.
Global research productivity of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: a bibliometric study
Authors: Rawashdeh Badi , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Rawshdeh Aasem , Abuassi Mohammad , Al-mansour Zeina , El-Hinnawi Ashraf
Published: February 2024

Background:

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLD) are a heterogeneous collection of neoplasms that occur after solid organ transplants (SOT). In the past 20 years, there has been a rise in PTLD research. This study aims to investigate the global research output and interest regarding PTLD using a bibliometric approach.

Material and methods:

On 28 November 2022, the Web of Science Core Collection documents on PTLD published between 2000 and 2022 were collected and analyzed using bibliometric techniques. The VOSviewer application was utilized to visualize the annual number of publications, authors, organizations, countries, published journals, citations, and most occurring keywords.

Results:

A total of 2814 documents were retrieved, and a screening process included 1809 documents. The total number of citations was 45 239, and the average number per item was 25. Most articles (n = 747) and citations (n = 25 740) were produced in the United States. Based on citations, most of the top 10 institutions that contributed were in the United States of America. The University of Pittsburgh topped the list with 2700 citations and 64 articles. The vast majority of articles were published in Pediatric Transplantation (n = 147), Transplantation (n = 124), and the American Journal of Transplantation (n = 98). Transplantation has received the most citations, 6499, followed by the American Journal of Transplantation with 5958 citations and Blood with 4107 citations.

Conclusion:

With ongoing debates over optimal classification, Epstein-Bar virus involvement, and treatment, this topic has received significant interest from researchers in recent years. Our results can be used as a guide for future research in the field and as a framework for a more in-depth look at the scientific progress of PTLD.
A congenital renal anomaly concomitant with a vascular emergency: a case of an ectopic pelvic kidney accompanied by aortoiliac aneurysms
Authors: Aljadaan Mudar , Al Laham Omar , Khaled Louay , Eljerdie Joudy , Ghannam Mohammad , Mohammad Ammar
Published: February 2024

Introduction and importance:

Ectopic pelvic kidneys are an extremely rare congenital renal system anomaly. This embryological occurrence transpires between the 4th and 8th gestational weeks, and is seen in 1 in every 2100–3000 births. Moreover, research articles indicate an incidence of ectopic pelvic kidneys ranging from 0.033 to 0.047%. The co-occurrence of this anomaly with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is an even rarer finding.

Case presentation:

We report a rare case involving a 62-year-old Middle Eastern male with a right ectopic pelvic kidney. The condition initially manifested as vague abdominal discomfort in the periumbilical region. The pain evolved into a continuous, localized, and insidious sensation. This was escorted by the perception of a pulsatile abdominal mass. Preoperative radiology illustrated a right ectopic pelvic kidney with concomitant aortoiliac aneurysms.

Clinical discussion:

Via a successful surgical intervention, the abdominal aortic aneurysms were repaired via synthetic Dacron grafts and the renal perfusion to the ectopic pelvic kidney was secured. Moreover, the aneurysmal wall underwent a full histopathological analysis, and the results of which indicated an atherosclerotic cause.

Conclusion:

Ectopic pelvic kidneys are an exceptionally rare congenital anomaly, especially when coupled with life-threatening co-occurrences like an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The need for timely surgical interventions is critical, and this topic requires comprehensive documentation as a guide for surgical professionals. This unique case is the first documented instance in the country. It emphasizes the fundamental role of proper intraoperative techniques in repairing aneurysmal conditions while preserving the function of the ectopic kidney.
Low-Dose Interleukin-2 Therapy: Fine-tuning Treg in Solid Organ Transplantation?
Authors: Amini Leila , Kaeda Jaspal , Weber Olaf , Reinke Petra
Published: January 2024

Regulatory T cells (Treg), a subset of CD4+ T cells, are potent regulators of immune reactions, which have been shown to be a promising therapeutic alternative to toxic immunosuppressive drugs. Data support the utility of Treg in managing immunopathologies, including solid organ transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease, and autoimmune disorders. Notably, reports suggest that interleukin-2 (IL-2) is critical to survival of Treg, which constitutively express high levels of CD25, that is, the IL-2 receptor α-chain, and are exquisitely sensitive to IL-2, even at very low concentrations in contrast to effector T cells, which only upregulate IL-2 receptor α-chain on activation. This has led to the notion of using low doses of exogenous IL-2 therapeutically to modulate the immune system, specifically Treg numbers and function. Here, we summarize developments of clinical experience with low-dose IL-2 (LD-IL-2) as a therapeutic agent. So far, no clinical data are available to support the therapeutic use of LD-IL-2 therapy in the solid organ transplant setting. For the latter, fine-tuning by biotechnological approaches may be needed because of the narrow therapeutic window and off-target effects of LD-IL-2 therapy and so to realize the therapeutic potential of this molecule.