bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroanatomy of cerebellar mutism syndrome: the role of lesion location
Authors: Skye Jax , Bruss Joel , Toescu Sebastian , Aquilina Kristian , Grafft Amanda , Bardi Lola Gino , Boes Aaron D
Published: June 2024

Approximately 25% of paediatric patients who undergo cerebellar tumour resection develop cerebellar mutism syndrome. Our group recently showed that damage to the cerebellar deep nuclei and superior cerebellar peduncles, which we refer to as the cerebellar outflow pathway, is associated with an increased risk of cerebellar mutism syndrome. Here, we tested whether these findings replicate in an independent cohort. We evaluated the relationship between lesion location and the development of cerebellar mutism syndrome in an observational study of 56 paediatric patients ranging from five months to 14 years of age who underwent cerebellar tumour resection. We hypothesized that individuals who developed cerebellar mutism syndrome after surgery, relative to those who did not, would have lesions that preferentially intersect with: (i) the cerebellar outflow pathway and (ii) a previously generated ‘lesion-symptom map’ of cerebellar mutism syndrome. Analyses were conducted in accordance with pre-registered hypotheses and analytic methods (https://osf.io/r8yjv/). We found supporting evidence for both hypotheses. Compared to patients who did not develop cerebellar mutism syndrome, patients with cerebellar mutism syndrome (n = 10) had lesions with greater overlap with the cerebellar outflow pathway (Cohen’s d = 0.73, P = 0.05), and the cerebellar mutism syndrome lesion-symptom map (Cohen’s d = 1.1, P = 0.004). These results strengthen the association of lesion location with the risk of developing cerebellar mutism syndrome and demonstrate generalizability across cohorts. These findings may help to inform the optimal surgical approach to paediatric cerebellar tumours.
Overview of coals as carbon anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Kong Junli , Su Zhijiang , Dong Chunwei , Chen Quanbin , Pan Guanghong
Published: June 2024

Energy storage is an important technology in achieving carbon-neutrality goals. Compared with lithium-ion batteries, the raw materials of sodium-ion batteries are abundant, low-cost, and highly safe. Furthermore, their costs are expected to be further reduced as large-scale applications take off, making them viable for energy storage applications. The primary anode material for sodium-ion batteries is hard carbon, which has a high sodium-ion storage capacity but is relatively expensive, limiting its applications in energy storage. In order to widen the applications of sodium-ion batteries in energy storage and other fields, it is particularly important to develop anode materials that have both high performance and low cost. Coals, with abundant reserves and worldwide availability, can serve as low-cost carbon sources for anode materials. Additionally, coals of different grades of metamorphism have different structural characteristics that can be tailored for the structural characteristics of coal-based anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Recent research on tailoring coals as the anode materials for sodium-ion batteries is summarized and the recent progress made towards mitigating the existing issues is analysed in this review. Specifically, the impacts of different grades of metamorphism on the sodium-ion storage performance of coal-based anode materials prepared using direct carbonization are discussed in detail. Studies on improving the electrochemical performances of coal-based anode materials through pore and microcrystalline structure controls and surface as well as interface modifications are presented. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods are identified. To make the industrial applications of coal-based anode materials for sodium-ion batteries more viable, the importance of the de-ashing process is introduced.
Multiple subcutaneous reactive angioendotheliomatosis in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Yokoyama Takashi , Nakaguro Masato , Ogawa-Momohara Mariko , Nakano Yoshihisa , Fukaura Ryo , Takeichi Takuya , Muro Yoshinao , Akiyama Masashi
Published: June 2024

We report a case of multiple subcutaneous haemangiomas in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome accompanied by severe pulmonary embolism. The haemangiomas were considered to be reactive owing to the presence of thrombi, and they had increased in number over the years. We report a rare instance of multiple reactive angioendotheliomatosis nodules developing solely in the subcutaneous tissue and in the absence of superficial symptoms, which has not been previously reported.
The large-scale organization of shape processing in the ventral and dorsal pathways is dissociable from attention
Authors: Goldstein-Marcusohn Yael , Asaad Rahaf , Asaad Leen , Freud Erez
Published: June 2024

The two visual pathways model posits that visual information is processed through two distinct cortical systems: The ventral pathway promotes visual recognition, while the dorsal pathway supports visuomotor control. Recent evidence suggests the dorsal pathway is also involved in shape processing and may contribute to object perception, but it remains unclear whether this sensitivity is independent of attentional mechanisms that were localized to overlapping cortical regions. To address this question, we conducted two fMRI experiments that utilized different parametric scrambling manipulations in which human participants viewed novel objects in different levels of scrambling and were instructed to attend to either the object or to another aspect of the image (e.g. color of the background). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the large-scale organization of shape selectivity along the dorsal and ventral pathways was preserved regardless of the focus of attention. Attention did modulate shape sensitivity, but these effects were similar across the two pathways. These findings support the idea that shape processing is at least partially dissociable from attentional processes and relies on a distributed set of cortical regions across the visual pathways.
Reaction path search for propane dehydrogenation and metathesis on titanium hydride
Authors: Miyakage Takumi , Yasumura Shunsaku , Huang Mengwen , Toyao Takashi , Maeno Zen , Shimizu Ken-ichi
Published: June 2024

The reaction mechanisms of C3H8 dehydrogenation and subsequent metathesis on a TiH2 surface were investigated using an automated reaction path search method. The predicted pathway suggests that dehydrogenation could occur at the H vacancies present on the TiH2 surface. The propylidene species formed by the initial dehydrogenation reaction are crucial intermediates in butane formation; this compound is in turn required by the subsequent metathesis reaction on the surface of the metal hydrides.
Overall survival after definitive chemoradiotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: van der Zijden Charlène J , Bouwman Anna , Mostert Bianca , Nuyttens Joost J M E , van der Sluis Pieter C , Spaander Manon C W , Mens Jan Willem M , Homs Marjolein Y V , van Doorn Leni , Wijnhoven Bas P L , Lagarde Sjoerd M
Published: June 2024

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is a potentially curative therapy for esophageal cancer. As indications for dCRT differ widely, it is challenging to draw conclusions on outcomes and survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate overall survival (OS) and recurrence patterns according to indications for treatment. Patients who underwent dCRT (50.4 Gy concomitant with carboplatin/paclitaxel) for esophageal cancer between 2012 and 2022 were identified. Indications for dCRT were: cervical tumor, irresectable disease, unfit for surgery, and patient and/or physician preference. The primary endpoint was OS calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients that completed the dCRT regimen, 30- and 90-day mortality, and disease recurrence. One hundred and fifty-seven patients were included (72.6% esophageal squamous cell carcinoma) with a median follow-up of 20 months (IQR 10.0–43.9). The full dCRT regimen was completed by 116 patients (73.9%). Thirty- and 90-day mortality were 2.5% and 8.3%, respectively. Median and 5-year OS for all patients were 22.9 months (95% CI 18.0–27.9) and 31.4%, respectively. The median OS per indication was 23.7 months (95% CI 6.5–40.8) for patients with cervical tumors, 10.9 months (95% 0.0–23.2) for irresectable disease, 28.2 months (95% CI 12.3–44.0) for unfit patients, and 22.9 months (95% CI 15.4–30.5) for patients’ preference for dCRT (P = 0.11). Disease recurrence was observed in 74 patients (46%), located locoregionally (46%), distant (19%), or combined (35%). Patients who underwent dCRT had a 5-year OS of 31.4%, but OS differed according to indications for treatment with patients who had irresectable disease having the worst prognosis.
Standardization in paediatric echocardiographic reporting and critical interpretation of measurements, functional parameters, and prediction scores: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology and the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , Di Salvo Giovanni , Voges Inga , Raimondi Francesca , Greil Gerald , Ortiz Garrido Almudena , Bharucha Tara , Grotenhuis Heynric B , Köstenberger Martin , Bonnello Beatrice , Miller Owen , McMahon Colin J , Bohbot Yohann , Cikes Maja , Petrescu Aniela Monica , Stankovic Ivan , Buechel Emanuela Valsangiacomo , Eidem Benjamin , Pignatelli Ricardo H
Published: June 2024

This document has been developed to provide a guide for basic and advanced reporting in paediatric echocardiography. Furthermore, it aims to help clinicians in the interpretation of echocardiographic measurements and functional data for estimating the severity of disease in different paediatric age groups. The following topics will be reviewed and discussed in the present document: (i) the general principle in constructing a paediatric echocardiographic report, (ii) the basic elements to be included, and (iii) the potential and limitation of currently employed tools used for disease severity quantification during paediatric reporting. A guide for the interpretation of Z-scores will be provided. Use and interpretation of parameters employed for quantification of ventricular systolic function will be discussed. Difficulties in the adoption of adult parameters for the study of diastolic function and valve defects at different ages and pressure and loading conditions will be outlined, with pitfalls for the assessment listed. A guide for careful use of prediction scores for complex congenital heart disease will be provided. Examples of basic and advanced (disease-specific) formats for reporting in paediatric echocardiography will be provided. This document should serve as a comprehensive guide to (i) structure a comprehensive paediatric echocardiographic report; (ii) identify the basic morphological details, measures, and functional parameters to be included during echocardiographic reporting; and (iii) correctly interpret measurements and functional data for estimating disease severity.
The generation of stable transgenic lines in the human-infective nematode Strongyloides stercoralis
Authors: Patel Ruhi , Bryant Astra S , Castelletto Michelle L , Walsh Breanna , Akimori Damia , Hallem Elissa A
Published: June 2024

The skin-penetrating gastrointestinal parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis causes strongyloidiasis, which is a neglected tropical disease that is associated with severe chronic illness and fatalities. Unlike other human-infective nematodes, S. stercoralis cycles through a single free-living generation and thus serves as a genetically tractable model organism for understanding the mechanisms that enable parasitism. Techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis and transgenesis are now routinely performed in S. stercoralis by introducing exogenous DNA into free-living adults and then screening their F1 progeny for transgenic or mutant larvae. However, transgenesis in S. stercoralis has been severely hindered by the inability to establish stable transgenic lines that can be propagated for multiple generations through a host; to date, studies of transgenic S. stercoralis have been limited to heterogeneous populations of transgenic F1 larvae. Here, we develop an efficient pipeline for the generation of stable transgenic lines in S. stercoralis. We also show that this approach can be used to efficiently generate stable transgenic lines in the rat-infective nematode Strongyloides ratti. The ability to generate stable transgenic lines circumvents the limitations of working with heterogeneous F1 populations, such as variable transgene expression and the inability to generate transgenics of all life stages. Our transgenesis approach will enable novel lines of inquiry into parasite biology, such as transgene-based comparisons between free-living and parasitic generations.
Future-proofing genomic data and consent management: a comprehensive review of technology innovations
Authors: Oliva Adrien , Kaphle Anubhav , Reguant Roc , Sng Letitia M F , Twine Natalie A , Malakar Yuwan , Wickramarachchi Anuradha , Keller Marcel , Ranbaduge Thilina , Chan Eva K F , Breen James , Buckberry Sam , Guennewig Boris , Haas Matilda , Brown Alex , Cowley Mark J , Thorne Natalie , Jain Yatish , Bauer Denis C
Published: June 2024

Genomic information is increasingly used to inform medical treatments and manage future disease risks. However, any personal and societal gains must be carefully balanced against the risk to individuals contributing their genomic data. Expanding our understanding of actionable genomic insights requires researchers to access large global datasets to capture the complexity of genomic contribution to diseases. Similarly, clinicians need efficient access to a patient’s genome as well as population-representative historical records for evidence-based decisions. Both researchers and clinicians hence rely on participants to consent to the use of their genomic data, which in turn requires trust in the professional and ethical handling of this information.

Here, we review existing and emerging solutions for secure and effective genomic information management, including storage, encryption, consent, and authorization that are needed to build participant trust. We discuss recent innovations in cloud computing, quantum-computing-proof encryption, and self-sovereign identity. These innovations can augment key developments from within the genomics community, notably GA4GH Passports and the Crypt4GH file container standard. We also explore how decentralized storage as well as the digital consenting process can offer culturally acceptable processes to encourage data contributions from ethnic minorities.

We conclude that the individual and their right for self-determination needs to be put at the center of any genomics framework, because only on an individual level can the received benefits be accurately balanced against the risk of exposing private information.
Experimental investigation of pore-filling substitution effect on frequency-dependent elastic moduli of Berea sandstone
Authors: He Y -X , Wang S X , Tang G Y , Dong C H , Sun C , Yuan S Y , Shi P D
Published: June 2024

Based on both forced oscillation and ultrasonic pulse transmission methods, we investigated solid pore infill influences on rock elastic moduli in a broad frequency range $[ {1 - 3000,\,\,{{10}^6}} ]$ Hz for different differential pressures. For a Berea sandstone sample, filled sequentially by solid (${22\,\,^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}$), quasi-solid (${26\,\,^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}$) and liquid (${34\,\,^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}$) octadecane, a frequency-dependence was found for the Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus and bulk modulus, nevertheless, these elastic parameters were strongly suppressed by increasing pressures. Experimental measurements showed that shear wave velocity and modulus of solid-octadecane-filled samples are significantly larger than those of the dry and liquid-octadecane-filled ones, implying the potential stiffening effects related to solid infill in compliant pores. A three porosity structure model, which describes the solid stiffening effects related to equant, compliant and the intermediate pores with aspect ratios larger than those of compliant pores but much less than those of stiff pores, was used to compare against the experimentally measured elastic properties for octadecane pore infill, together with several other fluid/solid substitution theories. The agreement between experimental measurements and theoretical predictions is reasonably good for the sandstone tested, providing that the three porosity model can be applied for pressure- and frequency-dependent elastic moduli estimations for a viscoelastic pore-infill-saturated sandstone. Evaluating the combined squirt flow mechanism responsible for the observed moduli dispersion and attenuation is of great importance to reduce potential errors in seismic AVO inversion and 4-D seismic monitoring of gas-hydrate or bitumen-saturated reservoir, especially for reservoir rocks with complex microstructures and heterogeneous pore types.
Subsurface tidal gravity variation and gravimetric factor
Authors: Rogister Y , Hinderer J , Riccardi U , Rosat S
Published: June 2024

Taking advantage of the simultaneous recording during 471 d between 2019 and 2021 by two superconducting gravimeters installed at the surface and 520 m under the surface at the Low Noise Underground Laboratory (LSBB) in Rustrel, France, we investigate whether a difference between the tidal gravity signals at the two locations can be detected. First, we model the periodical variations of the Earth’s gravity owing to the tidal influence from the Sun and Moon, at the Earth’s surface and at shallow depths. We provide analytical formulae for the Love numbers, gravimetric factor and gravity variation of simple spherical planetary models. We also numerically compute those parameters and function for a realistic spherical Earth model. We find that the fractional difference between the semi-diurnal tidal gravity variations at the surface and 520 m below is as small as 8.5 × 10$^{-5}$. We next evaluate the effect on the amplitude of the recorded gravity signal due to the calibration factors of the two superconducting gravimeters at LSBB. Finally, we compute the spectra of the difference between the gravity variations measured on and under the surface in the semi-diurnal band of the M$_2$ tidal wave. We find that the uncertainties associated to the calibration factors are larger than the theoretical or observational difference between the tidal gravity variations on the surface and at a 520-m depth.
Joint inversion of induced polarization and hydraulic tomography data for hydraulic conductivity imaging
Authors: Römhild Lukas , Fiandaca Gianluca , Bayer Peter
Published: June 2024

For accurate modelling of groundwater flow and transport processes within an aquifer, precise knowledge about hydraulic conductivity K and its small-scale heterogeneities is fundamental. Methods based on pumping tests, such as hydraulic tomography (HT), allow for retrieving reliable K-estimates, but are limited in their ability to image structural features with high resolution, since the data from time-consuming hydraulic tests are commonly sparse. In contrast, geophysical methods like induced polarization (IP) can potentially yield structural images of much higher resolution, but depend on empirical petrophysical laws that may introduce significant uncertainties to the K-estimation. Therefore, this paper presents a joint inversion procedure for both HT and IP data, which allows for combining the complementary abilities of both methods. Within this approach, a traveltime inversion is applied to the HT data, while the IP inversion is based on a full-decay time-domain forward response, as well as a reparametrization of the Cole–Cole model to invert for K directly. The joint inversion is tested on a synthetic model mimicking horizontally layered sediments, and the results are compared with the individual HT and IP inversions. It is shown that jointly inverting both data sets consistently improves the results by combining the complementary sensitivities of the two methods, and that the inversion is more robust against changes in the experimental setups. Furthermore, we illustrate how a joint inversion approach can correct biases within the petrophysical laws by including reliable K-information from hydraulic tests and still preserving the high-resolution structural information from IP. The different inversion results are compared based on the structural similarity index (SSIM), which underlines the robustness of the joint inversion compared to using the data individually. Hence, the combined application of HT and IP within field surveys and a subsequent joint inversion of both data sets may improve our understanding of hydraulically relevant subsurface structures, and thus the reliability of groundwater modelling results.
AVM: A Manually Curated Database of Aerosol-transmitted Virus Mutations, Human Diseases, and Drugs
Authors: Mei Lan , Hou Yaopan , Zhou Jiajun , Chang Yetong , Liu Yuwei , Wang Di , Zhang Yunpeng , Ning Shangwei , Li Xia
Published: June 2024

Aerosol-transmitted viruses possess strong infectivity and can spread over long distances, earning the difficult-to-control title. They cause various human diseases and pose serious threats to human health. Mutations can increase the transmissibility and virulence of the strains, reducing the protection provided by vaccines and weakening the efficacy of antiviral drugs. In this study, we established a manually curated database (termed AVM) to store information on aerosol-transmitted viral mutations (VMs). The current version of the AVM contains 42,041 VMs (including 2613 immune escape mutations), 45 clinical information datasets, and 407 drugs/antibodies/vaccines. Additionally, we recorded 88 human diseases associated with viruses and found that the same virus can target multiple organs in the body, leading to diverse diseases. Furthermore, the AVM database offers a straightforward user interface for browsing, retrieving, and downloading information. This database is a comprehensive resource that can provide timely and valuable information on the transmission, treatment, and diseases caused by aerosol-transmitted viruses (http://www.bio-bigdata.center/AVM).
The Interface Between Patents and Regulatory Exclusivities and the View on the New EU Proposals Concerning Patent Compulsory Licensing and Regulatory Exclusivities
Authors: Valtere Laura
Published: June 2024

Exclusivity rights such as patents have gained special attention in the post-pandemic period. Patents are intended to be a tool to prevent potential market failure in intangible goods and encourage investment in innovation. At the same time, recently they have been accused of blocking access to COVID-19 vaccines and have even fuelled public debate on the introduction of various measures to limit the exclusivity rights arising from the grant of a patent. However, patents are not the only exclusivity available to (bio)pharmaceuticals. Regulatory exclusivities, though less well-known to broader society, are no less important than patents and no less relied on by the pharmaceutical industry. A fortiori, de lege lata regulatory exclusivities have no exceptions, which means they are more robust than patents and can potentially provide even stronger protection than that afforded by patents.

This contribution provides a comparative view on patents and the less explored ‘8+2+1’ regulatory exclusivities, outlining common and distinctive features and the interaction between the two regimes. Some preliminary reflections are made on potential legislative adjustments, without which the much-debated compulsory licensing may prove to be of little use. Finally, insights are provided into the European Commission’s proposals of spring 2023 for general pharmaceutical legislation and compulsory licensing. Some preliminary insights into the proposed changes to the regulatory exclusivity system are also provided. Special attention is paid to the proposal aimed to reach compatibility between regulatory exclusivities and compulsory licensing.
Follow the money: a global analysis of funding dynamics for global health security
Authors: Robertson Hailey , Graeden Ellie , Kerr Justin , Van Maele Michael , Katz Rebecca
Published: June 2024

Global financing for health security was dramatically impacted by COVID-19. Here, we provide an empirical analysis of how that funding changed. Using data from Global Health Security (GHS) Tracking (tracking.ghscosting.org), we analyzed disbursements of direct financial assistance for GHS from 2016 to 2022 to compare pre-pandemic funding (2016-2019) to post-pandemic funding (2020-2022) for preparedness and response during each of the seven World Health Organization-declared public health emergencies of international concern (PHEICs) from 2009 to 2022. Over $165B was disbursed for capacity-building and preparedness activities between January 2016 and December 2022, and over $76B was provided for PHEIC response. Preparedness funding remained evenly distributed since 2016 across regions, with the African region receiving about 70% of total preparedness funding. Indeed, how capacity-building and preparedness funding is distributed has changed remarkably little since 2016, despite unprecedented changes to the funding environment—including markedly increased spending—in response to COVID-19. This suggests we now have a unique opportunity to restructure how funds are tracked for accountability and assessing return on investment moving forward.
Kinetics and Durability of Antibody and T-Cell Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Children
Authors: Files Megan A , Gentles Lauren , Kehoe Leanne , Adler Amanda , Lacombe Kirsten , Dickerson Jane A , Greninger Alexander , Waghmare Alpana , Fairlie Tarayn , Pringle Kimberly , Midgley Claire M , Hagen Melissa Briggs , Englund Janet A , Seshadri Chetan
Published: June 2024

Background

The kinetics and durability of T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in children are not well characterized. We studied a cohort of children aged 6 months to 20 years with COVID-19 in whom peripheral blood mononuclear cells and sera were archived at approximately 1, 6, and 12 months after symptom onset.

Methods

We compared antibody responses (n = 85) and T-cell responses (n = 30) to nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) glycoprotein over time across 4 age strata: 6 months to 5 years and 5–9, 10–14, and 15–20 years.

Results

N-specific antibody responses declined over time, becoming undetectable in 26 (81%) of 32 children by approximately 1 year postinfection. Functional breadth of anti-N CD4+ T-cell responses also declined over time and were positively correlated with N-antibody responses (Pearson r = .31, P = .008). CD4+ T-cell responses to S displayed greater functional breadth than N in unvaccinated children and, with neutralization titers, were stable over time and similar across age strata. Functional profiles of CD4+ T-cell responses against S were not significantly modulated by vaccination.

Conclusions

Our data reveal durable age-independent T-cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins in children over time following COVID-19 infection as well as S-antibody responses in comparison with declining antibody responses to N.
The delegation of discretionary power in international agreements: New comparative evidence from the association of Southeast Asian Nations
Authors: Pham Hung , Thomson Robert
Published: June 2024

According to the transaction-costs perspective on delegation, decision-makers grant more discretion to implementers in relation to policies that are more complex and therefore require more specialist expertise to implement. Furthermore, decision-makers grant less delegation to implementers when those implementers have divergent preferences and are therefore more costly to monitor. The transaction-costs perspective has implications for the design of international agreements, such as those adopted by the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). While delegation in the EU has been the subject of systematic research, delegation in ASEAN has not. We argue that ASEAN offers a particularly hard test of the transaction-costs perspective, especially in relation to its propositions concerning implementers’ policy preferences. Notwithstanding the unique characteristics of ASEAN, the evidence provides strong support for the transaction-costs perspective both in terms of specialist expertise and implementers’ preferences. The new dataset we examine includes information on more than 8,500 major provisions within the 235 legal instruments adopted by ASEAN since 1967.
Design of patient-facing immunization visualizations affects task performance: an experimental comparison of 4 electronic visualizations
Authors: Marquard Jenna , Austin Robin , Rajamani Sripriya
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study experimentally evaluated how well lay individuals could interpret and use 4 types of electronic health record (EHR) patient-facing immunization visualizations.

Materials and Methods

Participants (n = 69) completed the study using a secure online survey platform. Participants viewed the same immunization information in 1 of 4 EHR-based immunization visualizations: 2 different patient portals (Epic MyChart and eClinicWorks), a downloadable EHR record, and a clinic-generated electronic letter (eLetter). Participants completed a common task, created a standard vaccine schedule form, and answered questions about their perceived workload, subjective numeracy and health literacy, demographic variables, and familiarity with the task.

Results

The design of the immunization visualization significantly affected both task performance measures (time taken to complete the task and number of correct dates). In particular, those using Epic MyChart took significantly longer to complete the task than those using eLetter or eClinicWorks. Those using Epic MyChart entered fewer correct dates than those using the eLetter or eClinicWorks. There were no systematic statistically significant differences in task performance measures based on the numeracy, health literacy, demographic, and experience-related questions we asked.

Discussion

The 4 immunization visualizations had unique design elements that likely contributed to these performance differences.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we provide practical guidance for the design of immunization visualizations, and future studies. Future research should focus on understanding the contexts of use and design elements that make tables an effective type of health data visualization.
A computationally supported designer benzodiazepine strategy for public toxicology laboratories
Authors: Ciallella Heather L , Taruvinga Danai T , Yacoub Kimberly , Sofalvi Szabolcs , Delor Samantha M , Kaspar Claire K , Mitchell-Mata Christie L , Travaglianti Shelby , Lavins Eric S , Apollonio Luigino G
Published: June 2024

Public laboratories must balance innovative and existing methods to keep up with designer drug trends. This article presents a strategy for handling designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs) in casework from screening to interpretation. The cross-reactivity of 22 DBZDs and metabolites was tested against the Immunalysis™ benzodiazepine (BZD) direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The kit had high intra-analyte precision (coefficients of variation <15%). Inter-analyte performance varied, triggering confirmation testing at concentrations ranging from 35 to 460 μg/L. The Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory implemented a 40-analyte BZD and Z-drug confirmation method in 2019. Ten additional analytes were later validated for qualitative reporting, and the limits of detection for 13 analytes were lowered by 60%. The method of standard addition was also optimized for as-needed quantitation. Equal and 1/x weighting factors correlated well with target concentrations (coefficients of determination (r2) > 0.98), but 1/x weighting provided the most consistently accurate concentrations. Six computational models were developed to predict γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptor binding affinity to assist in case interpretation (r2 > 0.70 for cross-validation and test set prediction). These models were used to predict the binding affinity of analytes in the confirmation method. Other public laboratories can use this same practical strategy to adapt to any designer drug class (e.g., BZDs, opioids, cannabinoids and stimulants).
SCOUT® Localization Using MRI Guidance: Initial Experience
Authors: Dashevsky Brittany Z , Yan Pamela , Liang Tie , Daniel Bruce L
Published: June 2024

Objective

The Food and Drug Administration approved the MRI-compatible wireless SCOUT localization system in April 2022. The purpose of this study was to evaluate feasibility of SCOUT localization under MRI guidance. We present our initial experience adopting MRI-guided SCOUT localization and compare it to MRI-guided wire localization.

Methods

Electronic medical records and imaging were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who underwent MRI-guided SCOUT or wire localization at our institution between October 2022 and July 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-sample proportion and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Results

There were 14 MRI-guided SCOUT and 23 MRI-guided wire localization cases during the study period. All SCOUTs were placed without complication and were considered to be in adequate proximity to the target. There was no significant difference in complication rate (P = .25) or days lapsed from MRI-detected abnormality to surgery (P = .82) between SCOUT and wire cases. SCOUT was placed at time of biopsy for 71% (10/14) of cases. 57% (8/14) of SCOUT cases were used for breast conservation surgery (BCS) compared to 100% (23/23) of wire cases (P <.01), with all 6 SCOUTs not used for BCS placed at time of biopsy.

Conclusion

MRI-guided SCOUT localization is feasible and offers an alternative to MRI-guided wire localization, with no SCOUT complications reported. SCOUT placement at time of biopsy obviates the need for an additional procedure, but predicting appropriateness is challenging, with 60% (6/10) of SCOUTs placed at time of MRI-guided biopsy not used for subsequent localization surgery.
Neuronal regulation of bone and tendon injury repair: a focused review
Authors: Xu Mingxin , Zhu Manyu , Qin Qizhi , Xing Xin , Archer Mary , Ramesh Sowmya , Cherief Masnsen , Li Zhao , Levi Benjamin , Clemens Thomas L , James Aaron W
Published: June 2024

Beyond the sensation of pain, peripheral nerves have been shown to play crucial roles in tissue regeneration and repair. As a highly innervated organ, bone can recover from injury without scar formation, making it an interesting model in which to study the role of nerves in tissue regeneration. As a comparison, tendon is a musculoskeletal tissue that is hypo-innervated, with repair often resulting in scar formation. Here, we reviewed the significance of innervation in 3 stages of injury repair (inflammatory, reparative, and remodeling) in 2 commonly injured musculoskeletal tissues: bone and tendon. Based on this focused review, we conclude that peripheral innervation is essential for phases of proper bone and tendon repair, and that nerves may dynamically regulate the repair process through interactions with the injury microenvironment via a variety of neuropeptides or neurotransmitters. A deeper understanding of neuronal regulation of musculoskeletal repair, and the crosstalk between nerves and the musculoskeletal system, will enable the development of future therapies for tissue healing.
Fracture risk prediction in postmenopausal women with traditional and machine learning models in a nationwide, prospective cohort study in Switzerland with validation in the UK Biobank
Authors: Lehmann Oliver , Mineeva Olga , Veshchezerova Dinara , Häuselmann HansJörg , Guyer Laura , Reichenbach Stephan , Lehmann Thomas , Demler Olga , Everts-Graber Judith ,   The Swiss Osteoporosis Registry Study Group, Wenger Mathias , Oser Sven , Toniolo Martin , Schmid Gernot , Studer Ueli , Ziswiler Hans-Rudolf , Steiner Christian , Krappel Ferdinand , Pancaldi Piero , Kashiwagi Maki , Frey Diana , Zäch René , Weber Heinz
Published: June 2024

Fracture prediction is essential in managing patients with osteoporosis and is an integral component of many fracture prevention guidelines. We aimed to identify the most relevant clinical fracture risk factors in contemporary populations by training and validating short- and long-term fracture risk prediction models in 2 cohorts. We used traditional and machine learning survival models to predict risks of vertebral, hip, and any fractures on the basis of clinical risk factors, T-scores, and treatment history among participants in a nationwide Swiss Osteoporosis Registry (N = 5944 postmenopausal women, median follow-up of 4.1 yr between January 2015 and October 2022; a total of 1190 fractures during follow-up). The independent validation cohort comprised 5474 postmenopausal women from the UK Biobank with 290 incident fractures during follow-up. Uno’s C-index and the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristics curve were calculated to evaluate the performance of different machine learning models (Random survival forest and eXtreme Gradient Boosting). In the independent validation set, the C-index was 0.74 [0.58, 0.86] for vertebral fractures, 0.83 [0.7, 0.94] for hip fractures, and 0.63 [0.58, 0.69] for any fractures at year 2, and these values further increased for longer estimations of up to 7 yr. In comparison, the 10-yr fracture probability calculated with FRAX Switzerland was 0.60 [0.55, 0.64] for major osteoporotic fractures and 0.62 [0.49, 0.74] for hip fractures. The most important variables identified with Shapley additive explanations values were age, T-scores, and prior fractures, while number of falls was an important predictor of hip fractures. Performances of both traditional and machine learning models showed similar C-indices. We conclude that fracture risk can be improved by including the lumbar spine T-score, trabecular bone score, numbers of falls and recent fractures, and treatment information has a significant impact on fracture prediction.
Inorganic phosphate additives in meals and adaptations to 5-days of dietary inorganic phosphate loading alter acute calcium homeostasis in two randomized cross-over studies in healthy adults
Authors: Turner Mandy E , Mazzetti Tom , Neville Kathryn , Ward Emilie C , Munroe Jenny , Adams Michael A , Holden Rachel M
Published: June 2024

Diets containing inorganic phosphate additives are unbalanced with respect to calcium and these diets have been linked to the development of altered bone metabolism. Using 2 randomized cross-over studies in healthy humans, we (1) characterized the hormonal and urinary response to 2 meals with the same reported phosphorus amount (562–572 mg), where one was manufactured with inorganic phosphate additives and a comparatively lower Ca:P molar ratio (0.26 vs 0.48), and (2) assessed how acute homeostatic mechanisms adapt following 5-d exposure to recommended dietary phosphorus amount (~700 mg P/d) compared to a diet enriched with inorganic phosphate additives (~1100 mg P/d). Participants were then challenged with 500 mg of oral phosphorus in the form of inorganic phosphate after an overnight fast following each diet condition. Measurements included serum calcium, phosphate, PTH, and fibroblast growth factor 23 , vitamin D metabolites, and urine calcium and phosphate excretion. Following the meal containing inorganic phosphate additives with a low Ca:P ratio, serum phosphate was higher and more phosphate was excreted in the urine compared to the low additive meal. Although the Ca:P and calcium content was lower in the high additive meal, the same amount of calcium was excreted into the urine. Subsequently, increasing only dietary phosphate through additives resulted in lower 24-h excretion of calcium. The oral phosphate challenge promoted urinary calcium excretion, despite no consumption of calcium, which was attenuated when pre-acclimated to a high phosphate diet. These data suggest that ingestion of inorganic phosphate promotes calcium excretion, but homeostatic mechanisms may exist to reduce calcium excretion that are responsive to dietary intake of phosphate. Future studies are required to evaluate potential implication of diets enriched with inorganic phosphate additives on bone health.
Different dosage forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist with endocrine therapy in premenopausal hormone receptor–positive breast cancer
Authors: Lin Jinna , Ouyang Yiye , Li Yudong , Jin Liang , Li Shunying , Liu Yujie , Yang Yaping , Shi Qianfeng , Zhu Mengdi , Cai Zijie , Wang Jingru , Liu Nianqiu , Hu Yue , Wu Zongqi , Wu Mengzi , Wong Lok Lam , Jiang Xiaoting , Wang Qi , Yang Wang , Liu Qiang
Published: June 2024

Background

Despite the wide use of a 3-month gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for ovarian function suppression in premenopausal breast cancer patients, it remains unclear whether it is as effective and safe as a 1-month GnRH agonist regimen when combined with selective estrogen receptor modulators or aromatase inhibitors, especially in younger patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1109 premenopausal hormone receptor–positive breast cancer patients treated with GnRH agonist plus selective estrogen receptor modulator or aromatase inhibitor. The estradiol (E2) inhibition rate within 1-24 months after treatment with 1-month or 3-month GnRH agonist in cohorts and different subgroups was analyzed.

Results

Following 1:1 propensity score matching, 950 patients with a mean age of 39 years and a median follow-up of 46 months were included. Both the 1-month and 3-month groups achieved more than 90% E2 inhibition within 24 months (94.53% vs 92.84%, with a 95% confidence interval for the difference ranging from −4.78% to 1.41%), confirming the noninferiority of 3-month GnRH agonist. Both 1-month and 3-month GnRH agonist rapidly and consistently reduced E2 levels. Of the patients, 60 (6.3%) experienced incomplete ovarian function suppression, with similar rates in the 1-month and 3-month groups (5.5% vs 7.2%). Incomplete ovarian function suppression mainly occurred within the first 12 months, with age younger than 40 years and no prior chemotherapy being the risk factors. Similar disease-free survival and overall survival were found in the 1-month and 3-month groups and in patients with complete and incomplete ovarian function suppression (P > .05).

Conclusions

The ovarian function suppression with 3-month GnRH agonist was not inferior to that with 1-month GnRH agonist, regardless of age or combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor.
Feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of empathic communication skills training to reduce lung cancer stigma in Nigeria: a pilot study
Authors: Banerjee Smita C , Asuzu Chioma , Mapayi Boladale , Olunloyo Blessing , Odiaka Emeka , Daramola Oluwafemi B , Gilliland Jaime , Owoade Israel Adeyemi , Kingham Peter , Alatise Olusegun I , Fitzgerald Grace , Kahn Rivka , Olcese Cristina , Ostroff Jamie S
Published: June 2024

Effective communication about cancer diagnosis and prognosis in sub-Saharan African oncology settings is often challenged by the cancer-related shame and stigma patients and families experience. Enhancing empathic communication between health care providers, including physicians and nurses, and oncology patients and their families can not only reduce cancer stigma but also improve patient engagement, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life. To reduce lung cancer stigma, we adapted an evidence-based empathic communication skills training intervention to reduce patients’ experience of stigma in Nigeria and conducted a pilot study examining the feasibility and acceptability of the empathic communication skills training. Thirty health care providers, recruited from University College Hospital, Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, participated in a 2.25-hour didactic and experiential training session. Participant surveys were completed before and after the training. Overall, participants reported highly favorable training evaluations, with at least 85% of health care providers agreeing or strongly agreeing to survey items assessing training relevance, novelty, clarity, and facilitator effectiveness. Self-efficacy to communicate empathically with patients increased significantly from before-training (Mean [SD] = 3.93 [0.28]) to after-training (Mean [SD] = 4.55 [0.15]; t29 = 3.51, P < .05). Significant improvements were observed in health care provider reports of empathy toward lung cancer survivors and attitude toward lung cancer care as well as significant reductions in lung cancer blame were noted. The empathic communication skills training was feasible, well received by oncology clinicians in Nigeria, and demonstrated improvements in health care provider–reported outcomes from before- to after-training.
The Liminal Figure of the Civilian and the Necropolitics of Protection
Authors: Doucet Marc G
Published: June 2024

Recent literature on contemporary humanitarian governance brings to light complex rationales of care and control that give expression to the ongoing coloniality of power. This paper examines the protection of civilians (PoC) from a similar vantage point. Over the past few decades, the goal of protecting civilians has produced a broad assemblage meant to guide military, police, and humanitarian operations in conflict environments. This paper argues that to “protect civilians” is to rationalize human life along a narrow biopolitical continuum grounded in the liminal figure of the civilian, a figure that in war can appear alive or dead. While the goal of protection is evidently to keep civilians alive, the rationality at work in the PoC assemblage has also given way to a particular form of necropolitics that enmeshes life and death. Following a familiar colonial profile, but one that functions to obscure racialization, the necropolitics at work in PoC begin with a quantificatory episteme of accounting for, and a counting of, civilian casualties. This has led to the establishment of civilian casualty tracking and mitigation cells as a model meant to generate lessons learned from civilian casualties. At work in the PoC, therefore, is a political theory of life that enmeshes a form of biopolitics and necropolitics: a politics of life and a politics of death.
Super-enhancer-driven ameboidal-type cell migration-related MMP14 expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma switched by BATF and ATF3
Authors: Shi Zhimin , Wang Rui , Huang Jie , Qian Qian , Hu Menglin , Zhang Hengguo , Feng Linfei , Gu Hao , Wang Yuanyin
Published: June 2024

Background

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) exhibits an aggressive biological behavior of lymph node and distant metastasis, which contributes to poorer prognosis and results in tongue function loss or death. In addition to known regulators and pathways of cell migration in TSCC, it is important to uncover pivotal switches governing tumor metastasis.

Methods

Cancer cell migration-associated transcriptional and epigenetic characteristics were profiled in TSCC, and the specific super-enhancers (SEs) were identified. Molecular function and mechanism studies were used to investigate the pivotal switches in TSCC metastasis.

Results

Ameboidal-type cell migration-related genes accompanied by transcriptional and epigenetic activity were enriched in TSCC. Meanwhile, the higher-ranked SE-related genes showed significant differences between 43 paired tumor and normal samples from the TCGA TSCC cohort. In addition, key motifs were detected in SE regions, and transcription factor-related expression levels were significantly associated with TSCC survival status. Notably, BATF and ATF3 regulated the expression of ameboidal-type cell migration-related MMP14 by switching the interaction with the SE region.

Conclusion

SEs and related key motifs transcriptional regulate tumor metastasis-associated MMP14 and might be potential therapeutic targets for TSCC.